Is an Online Computer Science Degree Worth it?

You probably clicked on this blog because you’re wondering whether an online computer science degree program is worth your investment. We have great news. The answer is yes! 

In the past few decades, we have witnessed massive advancements in the tech world. The Internet has become much faster, cheaper, and more accessible to people around the globe. Innovations like blockchain technology, self-driving cars, and artificial intelligence are further propelling us into the future. Consequently, degrees in computer science are increasingly becoming more and more desirable. Let’s find out why. 

Value of Online Computer Science Degrees 

For many, earning a computer science degree is a sure bet for a valuable investment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and IT occupations are expected to grow by 11% in the next 5 years. Some of the career options in this field include: 

• Computer Support Specialist 
• Software Developer 
• Security Analyst 
• Programmer 
• Computer Scientist 
• Chief Information Officer 

So, how do you get started? You’ll most likely want to start by earning a degree in the field. While you could go to a traditional college for these degrees, those are usually incredibly expensive and require you to be on campus for all classes. With an online university, like University of the People, you can earn a degree in this exciting field from anywhere in the world without breaking the bank. We’ll explore how we make this possible in the next section.  

Affordability 

According to a report by the College Board in 2020-2021, the annual tuition rate for attending a four-year public college was estimated to be $27,020. That comes out to a total of $108,080. For many, this puts university degrees totally out of reach. UoPeople’s mission has always been to offer higher education to anyone who seeks it. In fact, a bachelor’s degree will cost you less than $5,000 because our degrees are tuition-free.

As you can see, distance learning is far less expensive than attending a traditional brick-and-mortar college. This is due to the low overhead cost associated with distance learning. For instance, online learning eliminates expenses like maintaining a physical campus, transportation, and room and board. This is why, in 2021, over 73% of students proposed their courses be fully online even after the pandemic. 

Flexibility  

Online degree programs are also becoming popular because of their unmatched flexibility. Because online courses can be taken from anywhere you have an internet connection, you’re not tied to any one city or even country. UoPeople takes this to the next level by offering asynchronous courses for all our programs. This means we don’t have any live lectures–you can take classes at a time that’s convenient for you and your time zone.  

Minimal Entry Requirements  

Prospective students applying for university must usually first meet a list of requirements before they are allowed to enter. These usually include high test scores from previous schools, extracurricular activities, and community volunteer work. Even if an applicant checks all the boxes, they may still not be accepted, as universities with physical campuses might simply not have enough room.  

For online universities, these barriers can be significantly lower as they can take in a far greater number of students. And this doesn’t mean the quality of the education is any less, it’s simply being made available to anyone up for the challenge. If a student has graduated high school, is proficient in English, and is willing to learn, they can enter UoPeople’s computer science program. 

Earn a CS Degree Online at University of the People  

Ready to get started? Start by looking into the incredible CS programs offered by UoPeople. Our academic leadership team is made up of professors from renowned universities around the world including New York University, Oxford, the UC system, and Stanford. With this level of diversity, UoPeople ensures that the quality of your online computer science degree remains consistently challenging and in-depth.   

And it won’t break the bank either! We know that higher education can be expensive and often leads to students graduating with significant loan debt. Choosing a more affordable online degree allows students to achieve their career goals while minimizing their financial burden.  

Final Thoughts 

Computer science is a diverse field with tons of opportunities. It not only deals with the integration of software and hardware but also emphasizes the problem-solving demands of both.  

With the growing need for professionals with strong programming and computing skills, online computer science degree graduates can expect to find job opportunities across a variety of industries. From healthcare and finance to gaming and e-commerce, just about every company needs individuals with expertise in computer science. So, check out our programs and get started today!